I got permission from Jeff for this one, just FYI.

Given the rise of the King's Court this year and a recent discussion I've had, I am taking an informal poll about fan response at our beloved local library Safeco Field. If you've ever been there, you're well aware that the "rules" about expressing excitement during a baseball game at Safeco are a bit strenuous for those of us who like to make noise and let the guys know we're supporting them out there on the field. I shouldn't get the sideways eyes from those around me when I'm cheering for our closer, and you shouldn't be told to sit down on a 3-2 count.

To what end this will come, I don't know; but public opinion is desired, and I can get that opinion into some capable hands. So here is the link to the poll at my blog. You don't have to read the post, but I would really appreciate it if I could get some feedback. The poll is 8 questions long, so it should only take you a few moments. Comments are also welcome, just be aware that if you've never commented there, it has to go through an approval process (Wordpress's rules, not mine).

Thank you in advance, I really do appreciate it.

I am hesitant to post this here because I fear for my right hand, but I think it's also important...

I will be going to SafeCo Field tomorrow specifically for the purpose of signing the book that is being made for the Niehaus family from the fans. I realize that a lot of people cannot make it because of previous plans, or their jobs, or the fact that they are simply out of state. SO, my writing hand is at your disposal - if you would like me to sign the book in your absence, post here and I will take your name down and bring the list with me to SafeCo tomorrow to put in the book. So far I have about 40 or so people.

I would like to request that names only be presented. If you have something you really need to say, I'll try and get it in there, of course, but would prefer to keep it shorter so that as many people as possible can "sign" the book. If you absolutely don't want to post your name here online in public, let me know and I can give you my email address.

Fire away, I'll be coming back to check this until midnight tonight.

EDIT: I've received such an overwhelming response that I've decided on using a Word document with a nice cursive font - have also inadvertently discovered that my handwriting is atrocious, so this is by far a better option. Will be taping it into the book for legibility's sake. It is absolutely not a problem at all for me to do this, so please don't feel like you're imposing by asking. It's an honor.

I am planning on being at the Elysian Fields across from Qwest at noon on Opening Day to get some less expensive beers in before fighting the crowds at the Safe. They have food there, and people under 21 are allowed in before 9pm (I believe, but this is definitely something I will be checking on for sure), and I have the day off, so why the hell not? Just wondering how many people are going to Opening Day, and how many of you might be interested in such a thing? Hmmmm?

EDIT: Yes, I am thinking about it this early. I know maybe a lot of people aren't sure if they can go, but I wanted to toss the idea out there, just in case.

There has been some discussion on Twitter between myself, Positive Paul, msb, and a few others, that attendance of FanFest this year is absolutely necessary. In conjunction with and adding to this thread here, I believe we should all plan for attendance of FanFest on Saturday the 30th, and give Mr Zduriencik the standing ovation he so well deserves. The goal just being to sit and listen to the lecture portion of the event, and let 'em know we're there! I will definitely be there, should be relatively easy to spot, and would love to actually meet some of you, finally, in what has surely become the Happiest Place on Earth. Though I plan to go both days of FF, it has been generally decided that Saturday would be the best day for a grouping. Any thoughts?

MSB suggested this in this thread, I'm just following through. I was hoping to get more footage last night, but the pre-game stuff was actually pretty tame for whatever reason. I'm planning on going to all the White Sox series this week, and will be at the Yankees game on Sunday (sort of a last ditch effort to enjoy what is left of my summer before I start school next Monday), so hopefully I can get some more shots. If you have video, photos, or just want to give the boys in the back a little love, here's the place to do it (with thanks in advance to the LL guys for putting up with my irrational affection for relief pitchers).

I know some folks here signed it, so I just wanted to put this here, for those of you who aren't into my particular style of blogging. The MLB sent me a letter responding to our petition a few weeks ago. In the end, we achieved 394 signatures. These were printed out and copies sent to about 10 MLB officials, including two copies to Bud Selig's two office addresses in New York and Wisconsin (we found these online), along with a letter. Another copy was hand-delivered to the bullpen during an Oakland A's game a few weeks ago.

In any event, here is the full text of the letter I received:

Thank you for your August 20, 2009 letter regarding the gladiator helmets that the Mariners’ relief pitchers had on display in the team’s bullpen earlier this season. Major League Baseball appreciates the concern and passion that you and the hundreds offans who signed your petition have shown regarding this issue. That being said, Major League Baseball does not believe that the helmets belong either on the field of play or in any team areas such as the dugout or bullpen during the course of the game. While these helmets may be a symbolic motivator for the Mariners’ players, they serve no baseball-related purpose or function. We have addressed this issue with the Mariners and the Major League Baseball Players Association and made it clear that the gladiator helmets are welcome in the Mariners clubhouse, both at home and on the road, which should allow the helmets to serve their motivational purposes.

Sincerely,

Jimmie Lee Solomon

So, much like the Spartans, we got our asses handed to us, but still, I'd like to thank anyone here who signed it for your support, even if I pretty much knew this was the response we were going to get before we sent it. Wish we could have done more, but we are small, and they are big, and that's just the way things are.